FRIENDS, family and sporting colleagues of racewalking sensation Alf Poole have paid tribute to the outstanding Worcester athlete, who has died at the age of 89.

Born in the city in 1914, Mr Poole competed until he was 75 and claimed a countless bounty of international, UK and regional medals throughout his glittering career.

His walking achievements were all the more amazing as he was shot in the leg during the Dieppe Landings of 1942 and it was saved from amputation by surgeons. The Navy man then endured three years in a German concentration camp, and after intense physiotherapy on his leg took up racewalking to strengthen his damaged limb.

Returning to England at the end of the war, Alf was determined to again make strides in athletics. Before his call up he was an active member of Birchfield Harriers and was one of the founder members of Worcester Athletic Club, then known as Worcester Harriers, in 1937.

By now he was in his 30s and a glove-cutter by trade. He turned his attention to competitive walking and represented Great Britain at various distances.

Close friend and fellow racewalker, John Marshall, said he would be missed by all at the athletics club and those who knew him on the circuit.

"At his prime a typical training session for Alf would be walking from Worcester to Pershore and back. He could often be seen speed-walking near his home on London Road, he was a well- loved and extremely dedicated athlete."

His only child, Roger said perversely he might never have been able to compete if the Germans hadn't captured him on the French beaches.

"It was the skill of a particular German surgeon who managed to save his leg. Alf reckoned if he had returned to England his leg would have been amputated.

"He was a real champion both on and off the track. He was involved in coaching, helped up- and-coming athletes and he gave a lot of pleasure to the people of Worcester."

Twenty-eight county championships over two-miles, nine at 10 miles and several Midland champion titles at two, 10, 20-miles and 50km distances were just some of his many accolades.

"Just for fun" he also took part in 50-mile plus challenges, walking from London to Brighton and Manchester to Blackpool, clocking around 10-hour times.

Competing as a veteran from 1975 onwards over 20km, 10km, 5km and 3km distances, he won six silvers and two bronze medals in the world championships.

In the European Championships, he claimed two golds, a silver and three bronze and an amazing 23 golds and two silvers in the National Championships.

He took four golds and a silver in the Midlands championships, seven golds at the county championships and two golds and four silvers on the indoor circuit.

Alf died on Friday, July 4. His funeral was due to take place today at St Martin with St Peter Parish Church, on London Road, at 2.15pm.